10 Benefits of Kale
Kale is a type of cabbage that has thick, plentiful leaves. Although it has not been popular in recent generations, it has lately seen a surge in popularity. The reason for the surge is the search for the ultimately nutritious food, and kale ticks many boxes to those in the hunt.
Kale is simply packed with nutrients and is considered to be one of the most nutritious of all foods. In addition to nutrition, it also contains compounds that can help with a variety of ailments. It is considered by many to be one of the best health foods available, and for very good reason.
Kale Benefit #1: Nutritious
One of the greatest possible contributors to overall good health is to have a good, balanced diet. We need a wide range of nutrients in order to be in best possible condition, and some foods are better at supplying certain types of nutrients than others.
It is well known that we should eat plenty of vegetables as they are full of certain vitamins and minerals, while kale supplies us with an exceptional amount. There are not many foods that are richer in nutrients than kale is. It is packed with vitamins and minerals and helps ensure we have the nutrients we need to remain healthy.
Kale Benefit #2: Boosts Immune System
A strong immune system is necessary in order for our bodies to be able to fight off the constant threat from pathogens. We should do what we can to give our immune system a boost, and this means giving it the vitamins and minerals it needs. Kale has much of what our bodies need to keep us free from disease.
Vitamin C is one of the bodies best weapons against disease, and Kale has it in abundance. There are few foods that contain more vitamin C, and one cup of Kale even contains more vitamin C than a whole orange does.
Kale Benefit #3: Weight Loss
Being overweight places a lot of strain on the body and can lead to potentially serious complications in the medium to long-term. Losing weight can be difficult, though, and many people around the world have an unhealthy amount of excess fat.
Although packed with nutrition, Kale has no fat and very few calories. It is also high in water content which helps to make people feel full after they have eaten it and feel the need to eat less often. Kale’s properties help people to burn off excess weight, while still getting the nutrition they need to remain healthy.
Kale Benefit #4: Anti-Inflammatory
The inflammation of soft tissues is often a source of considerable discomfort to millions of people around the world. Conditions such as arthritis, in particular, can be the cause of chronic pain that is suffered on a daily basis. While there are numerous products on the market that can help, kale can also be a solution.
Kale is packed full of compounds that can help to reduce swelling, helping to relieve the cause of the pain of many ailments. Omega 3 fatty acids, in particular, are found within kale, making it a great food for people that suffer from such complications.
Kale Benefit #5: Anti-Aging
Over time, our bodies undergo a process that we know as oxidation. This is basically the chemical changes in our cells that are mostly caused by compounds known as free radicals. Oxidation stress is one of the leading causes of aging and a host of potentially serious complications.
Kale is packed full of anti-oxidants that help to prevent the process of oxidation and, in turn, help to slow the aging process. In addition to slowing aging, it also helps to slow down the damage that could lead to various illnesses over time, while also helping you to feel good in the short term.
Kale Benefit #6: Combats Heart Disease
Heart disease is one of the greatest threats that people face, with countless people dying from it each year. One of the biggest causes of heart disease is high cholesterol levels which can lead to the blockage of arteries. With blocked arteries, the blood is unable to flow freely and the consequences can be disastrous.
Kale contains compounds known as bile acid sequestrants that directly help to reduce the amount of cholesterol in the bloodstream. One study showed that the levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol actually reduces by 10% after 12 weeks of drinking kale juice. That’s a figure that could save many lives.
Kale Benefit #7: Fights Cancer
Nobody is completely safe from cancer. It could strike at any moment and, depending on the type of cancer, its effects can be devastating. Mankind has made a great deal of effort in finding a solution but, although we have made progress, there is still a long way to go.
We do know of some substances that help to control cancer, though, and kale has some of them. One such substance is sulforaphane and it has been shown to battle against cancer at the molecular level. Studies are continuing into the impact that kale can have on various forms of cancer.
Kale Benefit #8: Protects Eyes
As we grow older, many of us will find that our eyesight is not quite what it used to be. We can find it difficult to focus and some of us will also develop complications such as cataracts. While there are treatments that can resolve many problems, there are some that are not yet treatable.
The best cure of all, however, is prevention, and kale contains compounds that help to protect the eyes from the effects of aging. Zeaxanthin and lutein, in particular, are known to help prevent the eyes from deteriorating, and they are found in large quantities in kale.
Kale Benefit #9: Detox
We are often quite hard on our body’s internal systems, as we fill them with all sorts of chemicals and toxins. Thankfully, though, our kidneys and livers have evolved to filter these out, but they can struggle at times. The good news is that kale can help our organs to do the job they need to do.
Kale is packed with fibre, and fibre helps your digestive system to operate as it should. This, in turn, helps your organs to process the waste that needs to be ejected from your system. It also contains a lot of sulphur which is also very beneficial for detox.
Kale Benefit #10: Good for Bones
We often take our skeletons for granted but, without them, we’d be in trouble. Good bone health is important for strength and mobility, and they can start to weaken with age. Yet again, kale is packed full of nutrients that help ensure that our skeletons are as healthy as they could possibly be.
Kale is packed full of both vitamin k and calcium which are both essential for strong and healthy bones. In fact, kale even has more calcium than milk does, so there is no shortage of the mineral. Kale is particularly useful for vegans or people that are unable to drink milk for other reasons.
